Local lawmakers and advocates are pushing to legalize hoverboards in the city.

Hoverboards are currently illegal across the five boroughs because they're considered "motor vehicles" and all motor vehicles must be registered with the state DMV.

But the Department of Transportation says motorized self-balancing devices like the hoverboard can't be registered with the DMV, so they're not permitted.

"I would love to have one, I would love to have one," said one shopper outside a Modell's sporting goods store on Flatbush Avenue.

There's no question they're popular. But, hoverboards are also banned from city streets. They're considered illegal motor vehicles by the NYPD.

"A lot of children have it now and they can't ride it anymore," said one Modell's shopper.

Now, several state and local officials are pushing legislation that would reclassify the boards under the law. And create regulations they say would keep in step with technology.

"They’re not cars, they’re not pickup trucks, they’re not motorcycles, so why are we treating them like such?" asked state Senator Jose Peralta. "It doesn’t make sense"

It's a welcome proposal at shops where hoverboards are popular.

"I think it would be really silly to ban the toy," said another shopper.

"We don’t need to suffer because of reckless people," said another.

But, police commissioner Bill Bratton says questions about whether hoverboards should be legal to ride in the city come second to concerns about their safety.

"Being quite frank with you I think anybody who buys one of those things is out of their mind," Bratton said. "Seriously, in terms of the spontaneity of them catching on fire."

Reports of the electronic skateboards igniting while charging and some even exploding gave many NY1 spoke with enough reason to pause.

"I think the whole thing is a concern, bursting into flames, falling hurting themselves," said one concerned mother.

 And, videos like one posted by Mike Tyson also not helping calm fears about unskilled riders let loose on the city streets and sidewalks.

"They're really hard to ride, so I think I'd fall everything," said one shopper.

"I have one in my basement and I don't think I'm going to let my grandchildren or my nephew, nobody in my family ride it because I test it out and it's unbalanced, it's very dangerous," said another.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says making sure hoveboards can be used safely would be a priority on any legislation that would allow them in the city. If you're caught now you could face a fine of up to $500.